Comparative Economy and Martial Corporatism: Toward an Understanding of Florentine City Leagues, 1332-92

The essay makes extensive use of archival sources to examine the economic and political meaning of Florentine city leagues [taglie] during the period from 1332 to 1392, associated (since Machiavelli) with military decadence and loss of native martial spirit. The paper argues that rather than failed proto-nationalistic military associations, as they have long been understood, the leagues expose critical and otherwise unavailable evidence about the military, economic, and political organization of Florence and Italy. They provide insight into the comparative economic strength of Italian states during times of plague, for which data are otherwise scarce, and they reveal the corporate nature of Florentine diplomatic and military affairs-a martial corporatism that mirrors the well-known internal corporatism of the city long highlighted by scholars.

Automated summary

The essay uses archival sources to explore the economic and political significance of Florentine city leagues during the 14th century. It argues that these leagues provide valuable evidence about the military, economic, and political organization of Florence and Italy.